Gonzo Backs McCain

This comes as no surprise. A story by the Miami Herald about what S. Florida athletes think about politics features former D*Backs left fielder Luis Gonzalez who says he will be backing Arizona senator John McCain for President.

Gonzo appeared at rallies with Bush and McCain in Arizona and is politically active overall, but he keeps his views out of the clubhouse unless somebody asks. ''It's a fine line we walk with politics,'' he said. ``As a ballplayer, as soon as you endorse somebody, there's someone there to ridicule you for stepping out. I think that's why guys are more tentative and careful than maybe they used to be.''

``But I'm definitely backing McCain, because I know him personally and he's a man with strong beliefs and values. He's been through the war. Been a POW. He's been in the background for so long, and it's time for him to step to the forefront.''

Gonzalez, who has campaigned for McCain previously, was appointed to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation in 2003.